A DEVON man accused of killing Swindon’s Mariola Martin in a crash last July was in court yesterday.

Paul Bradley, 52, of Fore Street in Cullompton, attended a brief hearing at Salisbury Crown Court, where dates were set for future appearances.

Mariola, 53, had been travelling in her Mazda MX5 on the A303 in South Wiltshire on July 27 last year, when she broke down at the Mere bypass on the eastbound carriageway.

Her car had come to a stop on the inside lane and was unable to move when it was struck from behind, shortly before 1pm,by an articulated lorry travelling east.

Mariola died of her injuries at the scene, along with one of her dogs.

Bradley was behind the wheel of the lorry and was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later charged.

Bradley, who had his left arm in a sling when he appeared at court, spoke only to confirm his name and made no plea.

A preliminary case management hearing was tabled for April 13 by Judge Barnett, the honorary recorder of Salisbury, with a trial listed for October 12 this year.

Prosecution and defence barristers revealed expert witnesses would be required on both sides before Bradley was released on unconditional bail.

Mariola was born in Poland, but moved to Swindon when she was a teenager.

After splitting up with her partner, Mariola lost her eldest child to suicide three years ago, and had been receiving professional support to deal with her grief.

Mariola was survived by daughter Jewelly. Her family described her as ‘vibrant and energetic’ when paying tribute to her at the time. They said: “She was the sort of person that overcame her personal challenges with humour and persistence.

“Born in Poland into a family of nine siblings, she was a spirited and confident child who went on to study catering where she developed culinary skills.’’ Mariola travelled to Swindon when she was 17 for a study break.

The family added that she met her first husband with whom she had two wonderful children.

Her marriage didn’t work out, but Mariola took on two jobs at Debenhams and Wise’s so that she could raise her two small children as a single parent.

The family concluded: “Mariola later moved on to Honda and then to Dyson where she was happy.

“She will be missed by all of her family and friends who loved her deeply for her innocence, charm and exuberance.”